Hunter Rugby Union, 2022: Wanderers captain Ben Ham free to play preliminary final despite send-off

Ham was dismissed in the 52^nd minute after receiving a second yellow card for an alleged high tackle. His first yellow was for repeated team infringements after he was penalised at the ruck in the 31^st minute.

Hunter Rugby Union competitions manager Nicole Joannou confirmed on Monday that Ham had not incurred a suspension.

"Because one of his yellow cards was a technical yellow card for repeated infringements, the Rugby Australia Disciplinary Rules recommendation is that the send-off is sufficient," Joannou said. "If he had received two yellow cards for foul play that would trigger a one-match suspension."

The two yellow cards on Saturday were Ham's first for the season, one below the threshold for a one-game suspension.

"It's huge relief," Wanderers coach Dan Beckett said. "He is everything to our team and we were certainly pretty scared when we thought he might miss the preliminary final.

"The rest of the boys are in good shape. We will be right to go again."

Hamilton fly-half Paul Dan is also sitting on two yellow cards after receiving his second for the season in the 28-26 loss to Merewether in the major semi-final.

Another yellow card for either will result in a suspension and sitting out the grand final.